Will UK businesses benefit from a successful England World Cup bid

Date: 16th March 2010

The British economy stands to receive a significant boost if England is chosen as the host nation for the 2018 football World Cup.

This is the view of energy supplier npower, which has been named as an official sponsor for the country's bid to host the high-profile event.

Recently-published research from the firm has indicated that holding the tournament in England for the first time since 1966 would boost the UK economy by £3.2 billion.

The study also revealed that 82 per cent of British businesses believe an English World Cup would be "great" for business.

A further 55 per cent said hosting the event would provide them with a "major" financial boost, while 63 per cent said it would improve staff morale

Andy Anson, England 2018 chief executive, said: "Businesses small and large are essential in staging a successful event and we hope the business community will get behind us and back the bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018."

Npower has also announced that it is to replace Coca Cola as the main sponsor of the FA's Championship, League 1 and League 2 competitions.